HISTORY OF THE LEESBURG BOATING CLUB, INC.
The Leesburg Boating Club, Inc. was organized on March 21, 1947 with Brunson Gibson as its first Commodore. Meetings were held on the first and third Fridays of each month and dues were $5.00 per year. Males only were eligible for membership. The Coast Guard helped with stating Pilot Rules and stressing safety. The club met a various places during organization: M.W. Nelson’s Johnson outboard business, Commissioner’s Room at City Hall and the caretaker’s building at Venetian Gardens.
There were two platform shelters on the water near Venetian Gardens beach and the club obtained permission from the city to use the east shelter. They repaired it by replacing planks, etc. On May 2, 1947, the first club picnic was held and on June 13 a float was entered in the Watermelon Festival parade. There were 36 members at this time.
An Incorporation Certificate dated May 16, 1947, was approved in Tavares Circuit Court on June 2, 1947. Bonds were issued in September, 1947, to build a clubhouse which was an extension of the east pavilion which extended out over the water on pilings. On March 1, 1949, $600 was used to remodel the pavilion with a snack bar in the east front window from which to serve snacks, cold drinks, candy, etc. to the public. Half of the profits went to the club and half was used for projects for the less fortunate in the area such as milk for the Leesburg schools, Pop Henry, who had a radio repair shop in Leesburg, handled the sales until his death. The club participated in marathon races throughout Central Florida, on being from Pelican Harbor to Palm Beach. Bingo equipment for club used was purchased in 1950.
Members decided in the early part of the organizational period to invite other clubs for a weekend outing. On June 10-11, 1950, 50 boats and 115 people arrived from Jacksonville by boat. A dinner, followed by a dance, and breakfast were served to them by our club members and wives. Among those helping were Police Chief Bill Fisher and Fire Chief Bunny Stevens.
Beginning in October, 1950, the club was open to all members and guests every Saturday for card parties. Later, a P.A. system was purchased to use with the boat races being held in the Venetian Gardens Basin. As the months and years passed, the boat docks and a launching ramp adjacent to the clubhouse were built with the help of the city.
The club began to grow and plans developed to negotiate with the city to construct a new clubhouse. During this time and for many years thereafter there were excellent working conditions with the city. Many city department heads, commissioners, city managers and the Chamber of Commerce were working diligently with LBC. On July 7, 1953, a $2200 loan was obtained to building boathouses and on October 7, 1953, two members, Marshal Wilson and M.W. Nelson, each put up money to erect or to help in the construction of boat stalls for rental. On April 29, 1955, approval was given to construct a new boat ramp near Pat Thomas Field and lights were erected near the ramp in November, 1955.
The years following showed more progress in the club’s good work. LBC was instrumental in having ramps built on the other side of the basin, at Singletary Park on Lake Harris on Route 27 and on Lake Griffin. The club spearheaded the placement of signs on the Harris Chain of Lakes marking the locations of canals connecting the lakes and the Oklawaha River. Signs also showed danger area such as stumps and old docks. It was a continuous struggle to keep the Oklawaha River open for boat travel. Contact was maintained with the U.S. Army District Corps of Engineers to clear away fallen trees resulting from heavy thunderstorms. It still is a good idea, if you travel north on this river, to cruise in company with another boater and carry tools to clear the waterway.
In the latter part of the 50’s, plans were made to build a new clubhouse. Dick Bair, a local businessman and Commodore at this time, worked many hours, along with other club members, to negotiate with the city for a long-term lease for the clubhouse. Bonds were issued and a lease was signed by the city on July 16, 1962. Construction of the existing clubhouse was completed in October, 1962. Open House was held, many residents toured the new facility and new members were recruited. A film was made by the Chamber of Commerce showing the potential grown of Leesburg and its present facilities. The club was included in the film and the clubhouse construction was shown.
Many boating clubs have been inspired by the Leesburg Boating Club’s facilities. As many as 150 people have been entertained at one time at the clubhouse, spilling out onto the porch and grounds area. Once a year for many years, the Jacksonville Outboard Club, Triangle Boat Club, Orange Boating Club, Tohopekaliga Boating Club, Daytona Beach Club and others have made weekend cruises to Leesburg, filling motels and restaurants. LBC would return these visits. The Chamber of Commerce and city officials helped in this endeavor. Marine dealers and people in the citrus industry were also involved. Orange crates were dropped off on the grounds and a local funeral director put up a canopy under which to cook sweet corn. Boats lined the entire shoreline from the beach and up to the canal adjacent to the club. Refreshments were served when the clubs arrived and a car pool furnished transportation for the boaters to and from the motels and restaurants. Dinner and dancing to live mus ic were enjoyed in the evening. Breakfast was served prior to departure time.
The wives of the club members organized the First Mates in 1964. Millie Dunk was their first president. They met at the club and worked on projects to raise money to purchase items to be used within the club. One of their first projects was to purchase drapes. Finally, on February 21, 1969, the women were voted in as club members and the First Mates disbanded on April 24, 1969. Millie Dunk became the first and to date, the only woman Commodore of the club in 1983.
The club has always tried to cooperate in many ways with the city ventures. LBC cooks and serves breakfasts during the Fun and Art Festival. It provided the city with a place to hold civic meetings and lunches during renovation of the Community Center. Many city departments have held meetings, barbeques and Christmas parties for a number of years without any rental costs to those groups. The club has participated in donations for Community Center renovation, to help to bring baseball to Leesburg, parades and other activities. It maintains boat stalls for public use. The Coast Guard Auxiliary holds boat safety courses twice a year at the club. The Leesburg Boating Club, Inc. holds business meetings on the first Friday of each month, cruises at least once a month, dinners on the third Friday and dances on the second and fourth Fridays. There are more than 200 members and the present Commodore is Al Bielak.
Among the many purposes of the Leesburg Boating Club, Inc. are:
1. To serve the interests of boat owners;
2. To prevent the pollution of waters;
3. To stimulate interest in boating;
4. To develop a fraternal spirit among outdoor enthusiasts;
5. To initiate and assist local organizations in civic undertaking;
6. To add to the material and social welfare of the City of Leesburg, FL
This material was compiled by Bill Dunk, Past Commodore and Life Member with the help of file information and club members Caroline Peterson, Al Bielak and others.
Roger Allen
March, 1987